Suspect Identified In Two Portland Homicides

posted by Anna Erickson -

Portland Police have arrested and identified a suspect they believe killed a man on the Burnside Bridge Tuesday morning and a woman underneath the Morrison Bridge Monday night.

Monday evening, officers and detectives started an investigation regarding the death of a woman who was found under the Morrison Bridge near Southwest 1st Avenue.

Early Tuesday morning, officers and detectives responded to the mid-span of the Burnside Bridge to investigate the death of a man.

A medical examiner determined both people died as a result of homicidal violence. Based on evidence found at the separate crime scenes, investigators believe both victims suffered gunshot injuries.

A few hours later Tuesday morning, officers found a man matching the description of the suspect in the homicide investigation on the Burnside Bridge near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Pine Street. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old James Barquet, was taken into custody without incident.

Detectives believe Barquet is the same person involved in both homicides.

Police believe Barquet was also involved in a robbery at the Chevron Gas Station at 400 West Burnside Street. An employee at the Chevron called 911 Monday night and reported that a man entered the store, flashed a gun, demanded cigarettes, then left. No one was injured in the robbery.

Barquet is facing charges of Robbery in the First Degree, four counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and two counts of Aggravated Murder.

The identity of the victims will be released after an autopsy is complete and the victims' next of kin are notified.